Principia Suspends Women's Basketball Program for 2016-17

Effective with the start of the 2016-17 basketball season, Principia College Athletics Department has reluctantly announced the suspension of women's basketball. 
 
Director of Athletics, Dr. Lee Ellis, said, "For some time now we have been evaluating our programs, including women's basketball, as part of a larger discussion about how to reconsider, repurpose, and potentially restructure our athletics offerings in response to the changing landscape of college sports."
 
"We are very aware that each one of the 18 varsity programs Principia College currently sponsors has value to the individuals who participate, and our goal continues to be discerning the right mix of sports to offer our community in order to bring the about the greatest good. Within the last year, we introduced beach volleyball, made a significant investment in our track and field program, and are preparing to host the 2017 NCAA DIII Cross Country Championships."
 
"The coaching vacancy in women's basketball, declining level of student interest, and prospects for the program's success precipitated the Athletics Department's recommendation to the College administration that we suspend the program."
 
"Principia College is committed to providing its student-athletes with a vigorous physical activity curriculum that encourages spiritual growth and character development, creates opportunities to learn and master new skills, and provides a forum for achieving competitive excellence."

The only changes to the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's basketball schedule will be the removal of contests against Principia College. All other league games and dates will remain unchanged.

STORY COURTESY OF PRINCIPIA COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE